PURPOSE:  The purpose of this assignment is for each student to reflect on some aspect of their Civil Liberties/ Equal Rights as Americans (see specific topic below). 

TOPIC:  Civil Liberties and Equal Rights (PRO/CON) Political Cartoon/Picture Analysis

INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW:  Each student is to choose one (1) of the cartoons/pictures below (at bottom of these instructions) and write a 1-2 page (250-600 words) pro/con response about the identified topic (i.e. examine the issue from different perspectives).  See detailed instruction below. 

Student Instructions:

Step 1.  Choose only one (1) cartoon/picture (at bottom).

Select either picture A or B at bottom of instructions and prepare to write about the implications of what the picture is depicting.  Take a pro/con approach (i.e. examine the issue from different perspectives and summarize both viewpoints.  Devote at least one paragraph to each argument.

Step 2.  Craft a main point/thesis statement.

Devise a clear and concise main point/thesis statement, typically in a single sentence.  This will be what you support in the rest of the paper.  See How to Write a Pros & Cons Essay link in the Helpful Links section (below) for help writing a solid thesis statement for a pro/con essay. 

Step 3.  Analyze the implications from a societal and personal perspective. 

Describe the political, economic, social, and technological effects of the issue(s) depicted (e.g.  benefit/harm, advantages/disadvantage) to society (i.e. who are the people, organizations, or industries impacted, etc.).  Also, include what duties and responsibilities individual people have in the context of the issue(s).  Students MUST describe the information within the context of societal and personal responsibility. 

Step 4.  Comply with the papers requirements.

A.    Write a minimum of one (1) page (no less than 250 words) and maximum of two (2) pages (no more than 600 words), not including references/works cited or title page.  The essay must be double-spaced, using an easily readable typeface (e.g. Times New Roman) in 11 or 12 font, and 1-inch margins all around. 

B.    You must use a minimum of two (2) sources.  At least one (1) source must be from the course textbook AND at least one (1) other reliable source of the students choice.  Sources must be properly referenced/cited in the essay using one of the three citation styles referenced below. 

C.    You must properly cite references within the paper using MLA, APA, or CMS formatting style (choose a style and be consistent throughout the paper) as well as a proper works cited or references page.  Students who plagiarize will be reported for Scholastic Dishonesty and fail. 

Step 5.  Submit Assignment.

Submit (upload) a MS Word document file to the Canvas assignment before the due date/time.  Use the following file naming convention: 
LASTNAME_FIRST_GOVT230X-SECTION#_SEMESTERYEAR_ASSIGNMENT-#.DOCX (Example:  Smith_John_GOVT2305-101_Fall2019_Assignment-1.docx).

Student deliverable(s):
Upload completed assignment in a MS Word document meeting all above requirements to the assignment in Canvas before the due date. 

Helpful Links:
How to Write a Pros & Cons Essay:  https://education.seattlepi.com/write-pros-cons-essay-1639.html
NCTC Citation Guide: http://www.nctc.edu/library/research-help/citation-guide.html

Student Learning Outcome(s) supported:  LO-1,2,3 (from syllabus)
   
Grading Rubric:
    Addressed topic from a pro/con perspective (Step 1):  1 point(s).
    Clear/concise thesis statement (Step 2):  2 point(s). 
    Analysis of topic from societal and personal responsibility (Step 3):  3 point(s)
    Met minimum requirements (Step 4a):  3 point(s).
    Sources (Step 4b):  2 point(s). 
    Proper citation, formatting (Step 4c):  3 point(s). 
    Readability, grammar:  1 point(s).

Choose either A or B to comment on: Pictures are attached.